World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.), a consumer watchdog group, just released its nominees for the “10 Worst Toys of 2017” and it includes popular items like the Spiderman Spider-Drone and Wonder Woman Battle Sword.
According to W.A.T.C.H., parents have a right to expect that the toys they give to their children are safe but unsafe toys remain an ongoing problem.
“Due to poor design, manufacturing and marketing practices, there are toys available for purchase today with the potential to lead to serious injury and even death. W.A.T.C.H. urges parents and caregivers to take precautions when buying toys— especially during the upcoming 2017 holiday season.”
Although most are not aware of it, one child is treated in a U.S. emergency room every three minutes for a toy-related injury. These injuries occur with toys that have small parts, strings, projectiles, toxic substances, rigid materials, or that lack accurate warnings and labels.
“In a toy industry generating approximately $26 billion dollars in sales annually across the nation, safety concerns must be a priority, not an afterthought, “ W.A.T.C.H. writes.
Among this year’s worst offenders are:
Wonder Woman’s Battle-Action Sword
Made by Mattel for ages 6+ and sold at Target, Walmart, and Toysrus.com, this toy has the potential for blunt force injuries due to its rigid plastic sword blade that can cause facial or other impact injuries.
Spiderman Spider-Drone
Made by Marvel for ages 12+ and sold at Target, Best Buy, Toysrus.com, and Walmart.com, this drone has rotating blades that move at high speed. A warning label advises children to “keep spinning rotors away from fingers, hair, eyes, and other body parts.”
Slacker’s Slack Line
Distributed by Brand 44 Retailer for ages 5+ and sold at Amazon.com, Dickssportinggoods.com, L.L. Bean, Homdepot.com, and Magic Beans, this is a backyard tightrope-like device designed to be anchored between two trees. The manufacturer says its “safe for all ages,” then adds the caution that a Slackline can cause serious injury or even death due to fall related injuries or strangulation.
Jetts Heet Wheels
Distributed by Razor USA LLC for children ages 8+ is being sold at Kmart, Toys R Us, Walmart.com, Kohls.com, and Target.com. This toy is designed to be strapped to the heels of children’s shoes, transforming their shoes into a kind of rear-wheel roller skate. The manufacturer adds “real sparking” action to the “Jetts” with “skid pads”, as evidenced by numerous warnings, including: “Keep sparks away from eyes, hair, exposed skin and clothing. Sparks can burn.”
Brianna Babydoll
Distributed by Melissa & Doug Retailer(s) for ages 18 months+ and sold at Target.com and Toysrus.com, this “huggable, soft” doll has removable clothing. The tiny pink ponytail holders are also removable and pose a real choking hazard.
While organizations such as W.A.T.C.H. work to make toy manufacturers produce safer toys, parents can do their part by inspecting the toys in their home for classic safety traps such as small parts, strings, and projectiles. Review the list of toys on the “10 Worst Toys” list which are illustrative of the kind of hazards that can be found in many toys – not just the items on their list.
Most important, “do not be lulled into a false sense of security that a toy is safe because of a familiar brand name on a package or due to its availability at a well-known retailer,” W.A.T.C.H. advises.
Click here to read the full list.
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